Chapter 20 #2
“I still can’t thank you enough for bringing her back home alive and safe,” the large man says as he squeezes her shoulder.
Ollie waves his off. “It’s fine. I’m just glad we all made it back in one piece.
” Her eyes flick past him to land on me and light up in a way that has warmth unfurling in my chest. “Hey, Rhys,” she says with a smile.
“I’d like you to meet Rachel’s dad and our next-door neighbour, Andy.
Andy, this is Rhys; he’s one of the guys who helped me, and I may have saved him a time or two.
” Her smile turns mischievous. “Or three.”
“Good to meet you,” I say to Andy before turning to Ollie with a cocked eyebrow. “And I seem to remember saving your ass the first time we met, princess.”
Andy laughs and pats me on the back. “I can believe it. Did she tell you of how we first met?” His eyes twinkle with mirth.
“This little thing had got bucked off her horse and had a zombie crawling around on top of her. And instead of using the knife she had, she grabs a bloody arrow and stabs the thing in the head with it. Then, instead of trying to get the creature off her, she just lies there and giggles her head off.”
Ollie makes an indignant noise. “Well, excuse me for having a mental breakdown after killing my first zombie!” she shoots back as she crosses her arms over her chest. She looks like a pissed-off kitten.
That only makes Andy laugh more, and even I can’t stop my lips from twitching.
“Besides, I used a knife when—” She cuts herself off as the blood drains from her face and her eyes turn haunted. “Never mind.”
My amusement dies as I realise when she’d been about to say. She used a knife when she killed her first living person. For me. Guilt gnaws at my chest. Hesitantly, I curl my arm around her shoulder and pull her against me. “You did what you had to,” I remind her softly as I squeeze her gently.
She swallows hard and nods before burying her face into my chest.
I stand there, stunned for a moment. This is the first time I’ve actually touched her, held her, and it’s…
nice. Better than nice, actually. It’s addictive.
The way her body melts into me, how her head tucks perfectly beneath my chin, and how warm and soft and right she feels pressed against me.
How have I survived this long without knowing how good she feels in my arms? It’s perfect.
She’s perfect.
And I’m fucked.
Andy gazes at the two of us, the amusement gone from his face and replaced with a knowing look in his eyes.
He nods his head at me, content with how Ollie presses against me.
“It was good getting to meet you, Rhys, and thank you for helping her,” he says softly before striding off, leaving me alone with Ollie.
She clings to me for a few moments longer, and I enjoy it as much as I can. But all too soon she pulls away and scrubs her face with her hands.
“Sorry about that,” she says, her gaze flicking everywhere but at me. Is she embarrassed?
I frown, not liking that idea. “You don’t have to apologise. I’m just happy you felt safe enough to be comforted by me.”
The relief is stark on her face. “Thank you, Rhys. You’re a good friend.” She pats my chest.
Friend. I’m starting to resent that fucking word.
“Come on. I want to show you where you’ll be living.” I move on before I do or say anything stupid; like telling her I’m revoking our friendship before kissing the fuck out of her.
Ollie nods—oblivious to my internal struggle—and follows as we make our way through Haven. Harlow happily trots beside us, having worn herself out and covered in mud. I grimace at the sight; we’ll need to wash her off before we let her inside the cabin.
Most of the newcomers have been ushered towards the old swimming baths where they can grab a shower and some food before being assigned to their living quarters. A few hover on the outskirts, chatting with other residents of Haven. Thankfully, my ex-wife is nowhere to be seen.
Along the way, we pick up Theo and Alex, who immediately sidle on either side of Ollie.
“Hey baby, you ready to see your new home?” Theo asks as he slings an arm over her shoulders.
“Sure. I take it I’m living with you?” Her eyes flick to me.
I nod. “The three of us live in one of the family cabins on the outskirts of the property, and since you’re with these two idiots, I figured you’d want to live with them.” I hesitate and scratch the back of my neck. “I can move out if that would make you more comfortable.”
“No!” she blurts, before blushing at how quickly and vehemently she’d spoken.
She clears her throat and glares at the huge grin on Theo’s face before turning back to me.
“What I meant to say is that it’s your home and I’m fine with you being there.
Besides, we’ve been living in close proximity with one another for almost a month now.
If I can deal with you on the road, having separate rooms will be a luxury. ”
“Good. Glad to hear it.” I quicken my step, wanting out of this awkwardness as soon as possible.
Ollie seems to agree because she keeps up with my pace.
We move past the newer part of the holiday site where the caravans sit and into the wooded area at the back.
The cabins here are older, dating back to when Haven first opened nearly twenty years ago, and most need some work.
Luckily, our cabin is one of the few that was renovated just before the world ended, meaning we have access to electricity and hot water thanks to the solar panels lining the roof.
It sits in the middle of a small clearing with a pond on one side and a stream trickling by on the other.
The dark wooden walls blend almost seamlessly with the trees, making it appear as if it grew out of the ground.
There’s a small covered porch area at the front which has a small sofa and a rickety table that’s seen better days.
The cabin closest to us is about fifty metres behind and completely obscured by overgrown bushes and thick trees, giving us privacy.
I pause in front of the cabin, close my eyes and soak in the feeling of finally being home. No more worrying about zombies or the Scourge, no more having to walk miles upon miles each day, and no more having to deal with so many people. Just peace.
While I’ll never stop leaving the safety of Haven—I’m too good at what I do—there’s nothing like the feeling of finally coming home.
“This place is beautiful,” Ollie says, her soft voice filled with awe.
I open my eyes to see her taking everything in with a look of pure wonder and amazement. For some reason, that she likes our home soothes a part of me I didn’t even know was unsettled.
“Harlow is staying outside until we can wash her off,” I tell her, eyeing the filthy dog who’s already trotting around the clearing, sniffing everything.
Ollie huffs out a soft laugh. “I think she’s too interested in all the smells around here to really care.”
“Come on, let’s get inside. It’s freezing out here.” Theo grabs her arm and practically tows her onto the porch and into the cabin.
Alex watches them go with a soft smile and a shake of his head before following them.
I linger outside, giving them the time and space to be with one another.
I’m all too aware that I’m currently standing on the outside of their relationship; an uncomfortable place I’m all too familiar with.
While I understand I put myself here, I can’t help but yearn for more.
To slot myself into their relationship with Ollie as easily as they did.
But it’s not that simple.
I fucked up, and I need to pay the price. Maybe one day I can have what they have with her. As long as I don’t mess up again. Or rather, as long as I don’t mess up too badly.
I shake myself from my thoughts and step into the cabin, figuring that they’ve had long enough alone. Only to be assaulted by the sounds of Ollie moaning, Alex cursing, and Theo growling something that’s probably filthy.
Great. Now not only does my chest feel like it’s caving in, but my cock is rock fucking hard.
And the moans are getting louder along with the sound of the shower turning on.
Cursing under my breath, I dump my backpack onto the ground next to the kitchen area and hightail it out of there. There’s no way I’m going to keep my sanity if I stay here, not when everything inside me is screaming to join them.
But I can’t. We’re friends, remember?
Yeah, I’m really starting to hate that fucking word.